Udhayanidhi slams EPS for blocking ambulance

Chennai

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday strongly criticized AIADMK General Secretary and Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), accusing him of deliberately obstructing an ambulance during a campaign event in Vellore.

Speaking to supporters, Udhayanidhi said, While EPS was delivering a speech, an ambulance arrived. He and his men reportedly threatened the driver and the doctors inside. The video of the incident went viral. They repeatedly stopped the ambulance and even assaulted the drivers. The public has condemned this behaviour, questioning whether such actions are appropriate for an Opposition Leader.

Udhayanidhi contrasted this with his own conduct, saying, Whenever our leader or I speak and an ambulance arrives, we immediately give way. Our workers step aside, and only after the vehicle passes do we continue. This is how a responsible leader should act.

Taking a dig at AIADMK, he added, I have said before, your party is now in a position where it might need an ambulance. Because of BJP interference, the AIADMK movement is heading toward the ICU, and only our leader can act as the doctor to save it.

The controversy began when a video from Anaicut in Vellore district showed EPS shouting at an ambulance driver attempting to pass through his campaign gathering. The incident received sharp criticism, including from Health Minister Ma Subramanian.

Udhayanidhi reiterated the charge on Monday, saying EPS deliberately blocked the ambulance and endangered lives. The people of Tamil Nadu will not tolerate such behaviour. If EPS fails to understand this, the public will ensure his party faces consequences, he warned.